Fountain

The fountain, located on High Street, was created around 1938 and is a notable feature in Braintree where several roads meet. It was sculpted and designed by John Hodge and cast by Messrs. Burton of Thames Ditton. The fountain consists of a concrete circular bowl with concave sides, adorned with four bronze statues of seals that spout water from their mouths. At the center, there is a large bronze nautilus shell supported by a raft of bronze lily pads. This shell features a sculpture of a nearly naked boy with his legs astride, holding a fish in each hand, both of which also spout water, accompanied by an otter at his feet. An inscription on one side of the shell reads: "THE GIFT OF/WILLIAM JULIAN COURTAULD ESQ.JP./OF PENYPOT HALSTEAD/ [Coat of arms]/TO THE TOWN OF BRAINTREE/IN MEMORY OF/KING GEORGE V". The fountain adds a playful element to the urban landscape and complements the nearby Church of St. Michael the Archangel.